Children Design Their Outdoor Classrooms

PDF (ελληνικά)
Published: Apr 18, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/codiste.9863
Keywords:
outdoor classrooms outdoor education project-based learning
Christina Koutouveli
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Primary Education
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6713-0640
Εirini Chatzara
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Primary Education
Theodora Karika
Primary Education
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6862-9178
Fevronia Laiou
Primary Education
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0341-8979
Apostolia Galani
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Abstract

Outdoor education and project-based learning are innovative educational approaches that foster the development of skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness. Through outdoor activities and hands-on projects, students enhance their autonomy, responsibility, and creativity. This paper presents an outdoor classroom design program, implemented with elementary school students in an urban area, promoted participatory learning, and active engagement in the design process.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Προφορικές Ανακοινώσεις
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Aldabbus, S. (2018). Project-based learning: Implementation & challenges. International Journal of Education, Learning, and Development 6(3), 71-79. Ανακτήθηκε από: https://www.eajournals.org/wp-content/uploads/Project-Based-Learning-Implementation-Challenges.pdf
Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Smollan, D. (1992). Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 63(4), 596–612. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.63.4.596
Clayton, S. (2003). Environmental identity: A conceptual and an operational definition. Στο S. Clayton & S. Opotow (Επιμ.), Identity and the natural environment: The psychological significance of nature, 45–65. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/3644.001.0001
Brock, R. J., & Crowther, D. T., (2014). Benefits of elementary environmental education. Στο M. Mueller, D. Tippins, A. Stewart (Επιμ.) Assessing Schools for Generation R (Responsibility). Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education, 41. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2748-9_11
Dole, S., Bloom, L., & Doss, K. K. (2017). Engaged learning: Impact of PBL and PjBL with elementary and middle grade students. International Journal of Problem-Based Learning 11(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1685
Ergül, N. R., & Kargın, E. K. (2014). The effect of project-based learning on students' science success. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 5130-5134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1086
Evans, G. W., Brauchle, G., Haq, A., Stecker, R., Wong, K., & Shapiro, E. (2007). Young children's environmental attitudes and behaviors. Environment and Behavior, 39(5), 635–658. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916506294252
Gültekin, M. (2005). The effect of project based learning on learning outcomes in the 5th grade social studies course in primary education. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice 5(2), 548–550.
Jordan, J. (2021). The benefits of outdoor education and guidelines for implementation in an elementary classroom. Butler University. Ανακτήθηκε από: https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/ugtheses/571/
Kaldi, S., Filippatou, D., & Govaris, C. (2011). Project-based learning in primary schools: Effects on pupils' learning and attitudes. Education 3–13, 39(1), 35-47. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004270903179538
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733
Lazic, B., Knežević, J., & Maričić, S. (2021). The influence of project-based learning on student achievement in elementary mathematics education. South African Journal of Education 41(3). https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v41n3a1909
Molyneux, T. M., Zeni, M., & Oberle, E. (2023). Choose your own adventure: Promoting social and emotional development through outdoor learning. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51, 1525-1539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01394-3
Rios, J. M., & Brewer, J. (2014). Outdoor education and science achievement. Applied Environmental Education and Communication, 13(4) 234-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533015X.2015.975084